5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Lessons!
If you've taken private music lessons before, you're probably aware of the basic elements that are required for progress. Showing up (consistently, on time, and with the necessary materials), frequent practicing, and listening to your teacher are all essential ingredients for success. Honestly though, these things are really just the bare minimum. Steady, long-term progress requires a bit (or, in some cases, a lot) more from the student. The good news is that there are so many things that can give you that "bit more" - many of them very simple additions or alterations to an already-healthy practice routine. If you're looking for something that will enhance your lesson experience and take your progress to the next level, then read on!
1. Record your lessons. Most smartphones come equipped with an audio recorder nowadays. Rather than having another useless app take up space on your device, use it to record your lessons! Ideally, you would record the warm ups and any repertoire that you work on; if your teacher accompanies you during your lessons, you might consider asking him or her to record an accompaniment track of your song(s) for practice purposes. Listen to the recording as you commence your next practice session, and revisit it throughout the week if necessary.
2. Practice within 24 hours of your lesson, if possible. This is when new concepts will be freshest in your mind. If you wait two or three days to revisit something, it's likely that you'll forget exactly how a new technique felt, or about how your teacher said to approach phrase x in your song. Lock things in as soon as you possibly can.
2b. Similarly, practice the day before your lesson. A review of everything you've been working on over the course of the week will refresh your mind and voice, and get you in "lesson mode" - that is, ready to work on more new things the second you enter the studio!
3. Come warmed up to your lesson. Most teachers at the college or serious high school level expect this, but I think it's something that every voice student should do. Warming up on your own time means that you and your teacher can hit the ground running as soon as the lesson starts, rather than having to spend a few warm ups getting your voice in gear.
Important: do not, however, do a full-out practice session right before your lesson. The idea is to go into your lesson with a warm, fresh voice that's able to be worked with, not one that's already expelled its daily quota of energy.
4. Mark your scores liberally. Preferably during your lessons, with advice or notes from your teacher. Don't be afraid to write any and all helpful reminders in your music, whether they be musical, technical, or dramatic. (Of course, be neat about your marking and make sure that it doesn't obscure the published notes!)
5. Come to your lesson with a plan. In many cases, it is up to the student to decide what song(s) to work on in the lesson. Consider any upcoming performances or auditions you have, and prioritize accordingly. If your teacher has requested that you work on something specifically, do your best to prepare what he/she has asked.
This list is just a starting place - there are many more things you can add to your routine as you learn to practice more effectively. What are some practice strategies you like to use? Let us know in the comments!
